2005, April 18th - Toads and Snakes and Cars, Oh My!

Springtime means Pet Predicaments

Tampa, FL, April 18, 2005 – As if your pets don’t get into enough trouble as it is…now you can add “licking a toad” to the list of no-no’s this Spring!  The season brings with it, all sorts of unique hazards for your four-legged friends.  And, since April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, it’s the perfect opportunity to educate pet owners about safety issues.

Here are just a few:

--The Giant Toad (a.k.a. Marine Toad or Bufo Toad) is the largest of the frogs and toads found in Florida.  It produces a highly toxic substance that can kill pets, if licked, bit, or threatened.  Of course, snakes present a danger as well.

--“Overheating pets is a huge issue because they don’t have sweat glands,” says Dr. Miryam Reems, Emergency Veterinarian for Florida Veterinary Specialists and Brandon Veterinary Specialists.  “I see this all the time.  Even young, healthy dogs with no other conditions get heat stroke.”

--Cars!  “This is the time when we see a lot of motor vehicle accidents, since dogs are spending more time outside,” adds Dr. Reems.

The list goes on and on.  But, Dr. Reems has some helpful tips to help pet parents stabilize their loved ones, until an emergency vet is available.  (Always consult a vet before using any of these measures.)

--If you suspect your dog is overheated, douse it with water (cool, not cold) and take it to the hospital.  The most common sign of heat stroke is vigorous panting. The pet is likely to be lying on its side, unable to stand, though some may be restless and agitated.  There may be a thick, ropy saliva, or froth coming from the mouth.

--Have hydrogen peroxide in the house.  It could be useful ONLY IF a vet suggests making your dog vomit, depending upon what it ingested.  Don’t automatically put hydrogen peroxide on a wound.  Irritation could occur. 

--Have some clean gauze in the house.  Be sure it’s clean material.  If a pet has a wound, don’t apply the bandage too tight.  That could decrease blood flow around the area.

--Contact lens solution could be a good wash if your pet gets something in its eye

--If an animal has been hit by a car, they may be painful and uncomfortable.  To transport a dog safely, put a muzzle around its mouth.  To pick up a cat after injury, you can throw a towel around it and scoop it up.

--Know exactly where your nearest emergency vet is located.  “I don’t think people are aware that there are 24 hour facilities, until the situation presents itself,” says Dr. Reems.  Have telephone numbers and addresses handy at all times.  Make a “dry run” trip to the vet, so you’re comfortable with getting to the location under pressure.

Dr. Miryam Reems is available to share these and other tips with viewers.  She can also demonstrate various pet first aid techniques.  For more information, contact Kristen Levine at Fetching Communications, 727-480-8030.

Florida Veterinary Specialists state-of-the-art facility is designed and equipped to provide24-hour emergency and critical care for pets.  Additionally, FVS serves as the primary referral center for the Tampa Bay area. The main areas of care provided include: Acupuncture, Avian and Exotics, Behavioral Medicine, Critical Care, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Oncology/Radiation Oncology, Ophthalmology, Radiology and Surgery.

It’s located at 3000 Busch Lake Blvd. in Tampa.  The emergency service is accessible 24 hours a day when a regular veterinarian is not available. We provide after-hours, weekend and holiday emergency services for many veterinary practices.

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